The Best Truck Caps

Key Features to Consider

Truck caps come in countless configurations and styles. From material construction to roof height and amenities, these features can help lend a particular camper shell to your usage, whether for camping or securing cargo. 

Regarding height, camper shells come in two main configurations—cab-height and mid-height. Cab-height truck caps carry your truck’s cab height through their roofline for a sleek appearance, whereas mid-height campers feature a taller roofline that allows more headroom and cargo capacity. 

There’s also the matter of amenities, as some base-model camper shells may not be as feature-rich as their high-end counterparts. Whereas entry-level caps may feature unlined interiors, aluminum-framed windows, and manual locks, high-end models offer carpet-lined interiors, oversized frameless windows, and power locks. 

Lastly, let’s talk construction. The most popular truck cap constructions are made of aluminum and fiberglass. While both materials are tried, tested, and reliable, they offer different benefits. Learn more about truck caps in our Camper Shell 101 feature.

Best Fiberglass Truck Caps

Fiberglass is a popular material for truck caps due to its overall strength, ability to form complex shapes and curves that complement factory body lines, and corrosion resistance. 

Fiberglass camper shells typically feature smooth, painted exteriors. They’re available in various heights, with multiple window configurations, and more. Check out some of our top-selling fiberglass camper shells below.

RealTruck A.R.E. V Series Truck Cap

Entry-level pricing with premium features. The A.R.E. V Series truck cap, by RealTruck, is a high-quality camper shell engineered for the budget-minded shopper. Its cab-height design is sleek and smooth, and its traditional smooth-sided appearance complements any pickup truck.

The V Series offers reliable yet budget-friendly options over luxurious counterparts, including traditional aluminum-framed windows and manual locks. A.R.E. offers the V Series camper with various optional upgrades, like alternative window and finish options. 

All A.R.E. truck caps are proudly assembled in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. 

Features: 

• Entry-level, cab-height camper shell with a traditional smooth-sided design

• Built from polyester resin laminate with a low-filled fiberglass substructure

• Recessed styling details enhance strength and visual appeal

• Reinforced roof supports roof racks and accessories

• Rear door is 35 percent thicker than typical competitors for added durability

• Single composite T-handle allows easy one-handed rear door operation

• Factory-grade lock cylinder offers strong cargo security

• Sliding side windows with screens and aluminum frames for ventilation

• Front picture window included; side toolbox optional

• Paint-matched or UV-stable textured finishes available

• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

RealTruck A.R.E. MX Classic Series Truck Cap

For those looking for a similar design to the A.R.E. V Series, except for a mid-height roof, the A.R.E. MX Classic is the way to go. This conventional fiberglass topper features a taller roof height, providing superior headroom and increased overall storage space, making it easier to transport cargo, accommodate camping trips, and enjoy other truck bed adventures with more space. 

Features: 

• Mid-height roof adds extra headroom and expanded cargo space

• Reinforced roof supports roof racks and heavy accessories

• Molded with recessed panels for enhanced strength and styling

• Constructed with a low-filled resin fiberglass laminate shell

• Front vista glass and framed front picture window included

• Sliding side windows with screens for ventilation

• Rear door features recessed fit, composite T-handle, and contour strip

• Factory-grade lock cylinder ensures secure access

• Optional walk-in rear door and Rival™ LED light bar available

• Finish options include paint-matched or textured UV-stable coating

• Protected by a limited lifetime warranty

• Assembled in Ohio

RealTruck A.R.E. TW Series Truck Cap

If you’re caught between the style and aerodynamics of a cab-height camper shell and a mid-height model, consider A.R.E.’s unique TW Series truck cap. This uniquely shaped topper features a cab-height roofline up front but a profile that gradually rises toward the rear of the topper. This design maintains most aerodynamic properties of a traditional cab-height camper while increasing clearance at the rear door for additional headroom and the ability to load oversized cargo. 

Features:  

• Wedge-style profile blends cab-height front with raised rear section

• Fiberglass shell with polyester resin laminate and recessed styling

• Roof is reinforced for rooftop cargo and accessories

• Sloped design enhances rear clearance for tall cargo

• Highest rear door among all A.R.E. camper shells

• Composite T-handle and contour strip on rear door for smooth access

• Lock cylinder offers strong, tamper-resistant security

• Sliding side windows with screens and corner fascia for airflow

• Includes framed front picture window

• Available in color-matched or textured finishes

• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

• Assembled in Ohio

Best Aluminum Truck Caps

Aluminum, steel, and other alloy materials are also popular choices for truck camper shells due to their strength, rigidity, and durability in commercial environments. While aluminum camper shells aren’t typically as sleek and smooth as their fiberglass counterparts, the material can be made into some exciting geometric shapes. Check out some examples below.

RealTruck A.R.E. DCU Series Truck Cap

RealTruck’s A.R.E. makes the list again with its DCU Series truck cap—a rugged, commercial-grade topper featuring a heavy-duty TIG-welded aluminum frame and rigid aluminum skin. Compression-sealed doors and perimeter seals keep moisture and dust out of the bed and away from your tools. 

Standard finishes include commercial-grade baked enamel (white, black, or silver). Optionally, A.R.E. offers a paint-to-match automotive finish. 

Features: 

• Commercial-grade aluminum camper shell built for tough jobs

• .035-inch aluminum skin with .050-inch TIG-welded frame

• Compression-sealed doors keep out water, dust, and debris

• Full-length side doors allow fast, efficient cargo access

• Available in multiple heights and door configurations

• Choose from white, black, silver, or paint-matched finishes

• Compatible with ladder racks and storage rack systems

• Optional keyless E-lock and interior lighting upgrades

• Folding alloy T-handles offer smooth operation and durability

• Comes with a 3-year limited warranty

• Assembled in Ohio

RealTruck A.R.E. Diamond Edition DCU Series Truck Cap

What’s better than a rugged, commercial-grade aluminum truck topper? How about the same topper with a raw, diamond-plate skin? The A.R.E. Diamond Edition DCU Series truck cap is finished in stylish diamond-plate aluminum, providing next-level aesthetics that perfectly complement other diamond-plate accessories. 

Features: 

• Same rugged design as DCU Series with premium diamond plate skin

• .063-inch diamond aluminum shell over a TIG-welded aluminum frame

• Rear door features stainless steel strap hinges for added strength

• Full-length side doors simplify access to tools and gear

• Multiple heights and door configurations available

• Comes in enamel finishes or optional automotive paint match

• Supports roof racks for ladders or cargo

• Optional rack system stores small ladders inside with ease

• Keyless E-lock and LED lighting available as upgrades

• Strong folding alloy T-handles for reliable access

• Covered by a 3-year limited warranty

• Assembled in Ohio

Black River Matrix ST Truck Topper

Remember when I referenced the unique, geometric shapes aluminum toppers can take? There’s no brand producing a more innovatively styled topper than Black River with its Matrix truck toppers. 

The Matrix ST is Black River’s more streamlined topper, protruding minimally over the cab. Unlike most toppers, which feature a standard rear window or door system, the Matrix ST features a single set of hinges near the cab, which allows the entire topper to pivot upward for bed access, similar to a one-piece tonneau cover. 

Durability is a primary attribute of the Matrix ST, which features a .063 contractor-grade aluminum construction and AAMA-certified black powder coat finish. Black River backs each Matrix ST topper with a 1-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Made from .063-inch contractor-grade aluminum for durability

• AAMA-certified black powder coat offers long-lasting protection

• Double-walled, windowless build enhances privacy and security

• Rear latch system opens entire shell upward from the front hinges

• Provides 78 inches of rear headroom when fully open

• 2,150-lb gas struts ensure smooth open/close action

• Designed to fit inside standard 7-foot garages

• Premium weather seal keeps water, dust, and debris out

• Integrated low-profile LED lighting with smoked lens

• Weighs 120–130 lbs. with a 105–120 cu. ft. cargo capacity

• Includes a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty